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FIX: Can’t Copy Files to USB Drive Because It’s Write-Protected

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Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Let’s talk (and solve) about an issue that isn’t connected with any particular Windows operating system, but is equally annoying on each one. This post is about the Write-ProtectedUSB driveand how to make it useful again.

Write Protected message while copying files to a USB drive? Try one of these solutions

Many of us share files using aUSB flash drive, but sometimes we might getWrite Protectederror messagethat prevents us from copying files.

Speaking of errors, users reported the following problems related to thiserror message:

Solution 1 – Fix the problem with Registry Editor

You maybe need to perform a couple of tweaks in your Registry Editor in order to be able to copy your files and folders to yourUSBdriveagain.

To fix this registry error, do the following:

Windows Registry Editor is not your favorite? Here is a list of registry editing tools that you can use!

Solution 2 – Fix the problem with Command Prompt

If the Registry Editor solution didn’t work, you may try withCommand Prompt:

Solution 3 – Check your antivirus software

Using an antivirus is important if you want to protect your PC, however, sometimes antivirus can prevent you from copying files.

To fix this problem, open your antivirus configuration menu and look for the USB protection option. If this option is available, make sure that you disable it.

Alternatively, you can also try adding yourUSB flash driveto the exclusion list and see if that helps.

If the issue is still present, you might want to try disabling your antivirus completely. In the worst-case scenario, you might have to uninstall your antivirus and check if that helps.

If your antivirus is the cause of this problem, you might want to consider switching to a different antivirus solution.

Currently, the best antivirus tools on the market areESET,BitdefenderandPanda Antivirus, so if you’re having any problems while copying files, feel free to try any of these tools.

Don’t let your antivirus become a nuisance and choose the best tools to protect your PC!

Solution 4 – Reinstall your USB flash drive

If you can’t copy files toUSB drivedue toWrite Protectedmessage, the problem might be your drivers. Sometimes yourUSB flash driveisn’t installed properly, and that can cause this problem to appear.

To fix the issue, it’s advised to reinstall your flash drive. This is rather simple and you can do it by following these steps:

After your drive is reinstalled, try to copy the files again and check if the issue still persists.

Solution 5 – Check your files

Sometimes you might getWrite Protectedmessage when copying files because your files are set to read-only mode.

However, you can fix that simply by changing the file properties. This is relatively simple and you can do it by following these steps:

After making these changes, try to copy the file again. If these two checkboxes are already unchecked, this solution won’t apply to you, so you can just skip it.

Are all your files in read-only mode? Here is how you fix that!

If you can’t copy files toUSB drivedue toWrite Protectedmessage, the problem might be your sharing settings. To fix this problem, you need to enable sharing by doing the following:

After saving the changes, check if the problem is resolved. Several users reported that this solution worked for them, so feel free to try it out.

Solution 7 – Check if your USB flash drive is locked

SomeUSB flash driveshave a physical switch that can prevent you from copying or removing files. If you’re gettingWrite Protectionerror message, it might be because the lock switch is in the Lock position.

To fix this problem, be sure to inspect your flash drive and make sure that the lock switch isn’t in the Lock position.

Keep in mind that manyUSB flash drivesdon’t have the lock switch. On the other hand, almost all SD cards have this switch, so if you’re using a card reader, make sure that your SD card isn’t locked.

Make a wise decision by choosing the best USB-C SD card reader devices to access your digital files!

Solution 8 – Format your drive

If you can’t copy files to your flash drive due toWrite Protectederror, you might be able to fix the problem by formatting your drive.

Keep in mind that formatting will remove all files from your flash drive, so be sure to back up important files beforehand.

You can format your flash drive by doing the following:

Once the format process is finished, try to copy files to yourUSB flash drive. Several users reported that they are unable to format their drive due toWrite Protectederror message.

If this happens, you need to enterSafe Modeand try to format your drive from there.

There are many ways to format yourUSB flash drive, and if you need a formatting tool that supports advanced features, you might be interested inMini Tool Partition WizardorParagon Partition Manager.

Both applications allow you to manage and format your drive, so if you’re looking for advanced options, be sure to try one of these tools.

Check these formatting tools from our article!

Conclusion

That would be all, if you have any suggestions or comments, please write them down in the comment section below, we would love to hear them.

FIX: Can’t Copy Files to USB Drive Because It’s Write-Protected#

Write Protected message while copying files to a USB drive? Try one of these solutions#

Solution 1 – Fix the problem with Registry Editor#

Solution 2 – Fix the problem with Command Prompt#

Solution 3 – Check your antivirus software#

Solution 4 – Reinstall your USB flash drive#

Solution 5 – Check your files#

Solution 6 – Enable sharing for your USB flash drive#

Solution 7 – Check if your USB flash drive is locked#

Solution 8 – Format your drive#

Conclusion#